Hair and Nail Cortisol as Biomarkers of Adolescent Stress: The Mental Health in the Moment Biosampling Protocol

Stress can lead to hair loss by affecting hair-follicle stem cells, and this loss is harder to recover from if one has male pattern baldness (MPB). Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to address hair loss, but stress-related hair loss differs from androgenic alopecia.

Ashwagandha may lower cortisol but can cause hair loss. Alternatives like magnesium are suggested for stress without affecting hair.

Corticosterone inhibits GAS6, affecting hair follicle stem-cell activity, with potential implications for stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha and Vitamin K are suggested for reducing cortisol, but their effectiveness is debated.

Hair loss is influenced by scalp tension, stress, and environmental factors, not just hormones. Treatments like tretinoin, microneedling, scalp massage, and Botox can reduce tension and improve hair health.

Stress can trigger hair loss, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride being used to manage it. Some users report improvement with medications like Lexapro, while others emphasize the impact of stress and life events on hair health.

Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.